Much Latitude for Liberty
Numbers 17:5–8
"The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites.” So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and their leaders gave him twelve staffs, one for the leader of each of their ancestral tribes, and Aaron’s staff was among them. Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the tent of the covenant law. The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds."
When the Lord speaks, it is clear, when we think it isn't clear, we need to seek His face. God is also asking us to trust in Him, also to be prudent and also to live freely within His expectations of Christian living. There is much latitude for our freedom to pursue our desires within God's commands, in God's right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psa 16:11), and so we need not always ask for a categorical confirmation to affirm each and every decision, we can simply commit them to the Lord in prayer for wisdom and trust. Be that as it may, to many, and for big decisions, God also speaks and we ought to seek His counsel and listen. We can be confident in knowing the heart of God in constant communication in prayer God listens (Psa 17:6), immersing ourselves in His Word (II Tim 3:16–17), and living alongside other faithful (Heb 10:25). The Lord has given ample guidance through His Word and to believing people around us. Finally, fear not, He has given us His Spirit —our Lord knows us and we know Him: My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:27)."
"The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites.” So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and their leaders gave him twelve staffs, one for the leader of each of their ancestral tribes, and Aaron’s staff was among them. Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the tent of the covenant law. The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds."
When the Lord speaks, it is clear, when we think it isn't clear, we need to seek His face. God is also asking us to trust in Him, also to be prudent and also to live freely within His expectations of Christian living. There is much latitude for our freedom to pursue our desires within God's commands, in God's right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psa 16:11), and so we need not always ask for a categorical confirmation to affirm each and every decision, we can simply commit them to the Lord in prayer for wisdom and trust. Be that as it may, to many, and for big decisions, God also speaks and we ought to seek His counsel and listen. We can be confident in knowing the heart of God in constant communication in prayer God listens (Psa 17:6), immersing ourselves in His Word (II Tim 3:16–17), and living alongside other faithful (Heb 10:25). The Lord has given ample guidance through His Word and to believing people around us. Finally, fear not, He has given us His Spirit —our Lord knows us and we know Him: My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:27)."
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